US heart valve manufacturer Edwards Lifesciences has announced plans to start up a new production plant in the Valencian municipality of Moncada. This initiative will mobilise an investment of around €150 million and will enable the creation of some 1,200 new jobs, according to the company, which has not revealed how many of these jobs will be direct.

The new factory will focus on the production of the company's own surgical and transcatheter aortic valve replacement technology. The new solutions that Edwards will produce at this facility are designed to address the main causes of re-intervention after heart valve replacement, thereby extending their durability.

Significant investment
The CEO of ICEX, Elisa Carbonell, has highlighted the value of the project after its presentation in Valencia, both from the point of view of investment and job creation, and taking into account that life sciences is such an important industry, which improves people's lives.

The company's corporate vice president of global supply chain and quality, Joe Nuzzolese, explained, "Edwards has been part of the Valencian Community for almost 25 years and continues to be attracted to this vibrant region, leading us to make this significant investment. I would like to thank the government of Spain and the leaders of the Valencian Community and of Moncada for their collaboration in making this project possible."

Through this new operation, the US company will strengthen its global manufacturing network and will be able to serve the European market more directly. From a medical point of view, Edwards explained that this operation will strengthen their ability to serve more patients with structural heart disease worldwide.

^{Photo: Edwards Lifesciences}